Working as a healthcare provider I’ve noticed an increase in stress and anxiety among people of all ages.  As such, I’d like to take this opportunity to share information about A Way Forward, a non-profit organization in Longmont that is here to assist all people in their journey through life.  On February 22, 2023 they received the Longmont Chamber of Commerce “People’s Choice” award for 2022.

 

Our mission is to smash barriers to recovery and create more access to comprehensive, evidence-based services focused on substance use and mild to moderate mental health disorders and create a community of belonging and healing in the St. Vrain Valley.

 

In 2022, A Way Forward began offering a series of mental and emotional health classes.  The classes use a Hazelden Betty Ford curriculum, which is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and uses workbooks and accompanying DVD. The eight-week classes each address a different one of the following subjects: Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Anger, Guilt & Shame, and Self-Esteem and Self-Compassion.  The pandemic had a strong negative impact on mental health especially increased Anxiety and Depression (45% increases according to the CDC).  The classes attract people in the recovery community as well as community members as a whole.

 

Harm reduction is also a critical topic to address with overdose deaths in 2022 exceeding 107,000 in the US.  A Way Forward receives bulk shipments of Narcan, a drug which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.  Free Narcan training and packages are available free at A Way Forward. On-Site trainings have also been held at outreach partners including The Inn-Between, The Suites, and a local school.

 

We fill a gap in community nonprofit services by offering wrap-around services and evidence-based recovery classes facilitated by peers. In addition to support groups and structured classes, we provide individual peer recovery coaching with Certified Recovery Coaches. We are open 7 days a week and all services are free. Inclusive access to high quality services is paramount and for that reason, all of our structured classes use Hazelden Betty Ford materials, known world-wide for their recovery services. Peers provide all services.  All our staff have walked the road of recovery either personally or with family members. Evidence suggests that a peer-supported community program focused on self-determination can have a significant positive impact on recovery from substance addictions and homelessness.

 

Self-Reported Outcomes 2022

• 100% reported feeling more hopeful
• 98% improved ability to deal with stress
• 96% felt less depressed
• 96% less anxious
• 100% reported having more tools to handle cravings
• 100% reported benefiting from a sense of community

 

We have had the honor to touch many lives in our community. Our total client contacts in-house increased from 2,504 in 2021, the first year we opened, to 5,418 in 2022.  For more information about A Way Forward  https://awfnobarriers.org